Leads sought in Pico Rivera fatal shooting

PICO RIVERA - Just before the old year ended, residents in the 7600 block of Keltonview Drive heard what they thought were the sound of firecrackers.

It turned out to be gunfire.

A resident went outside about 2 a.m. and discovered 27-year-old Joel Lamas lying on a front yard. Paramedics pronounced the Pico Rivera man dead at the scene.

He died of a gunshot wound to the chest, according to Investigator Jerry McKibben of the Los Angeles County Department of the Coroner.

Detectives are now asking for the public's help in finding whomever shot Lamas on Jan. 1.

Lamas didn't live too far from where he was gunned down.

"We believe he was either walking to or from a friend's house," Sheriff's Homicide Detective Steve Blagg said.

The gunshots were heard by residents just before midnight. Blagg said several people were seen running from the area afterward. But they were only described as being in their late teens to early 20s and wearing dark clothing.

Lamas' brother couldn't be reached for comment Thursday.

Authorities said Lamas wasn't a gang member.

"Basically he was well-liked in the neighborhood. He allowed local bands to play at his residence," Blagg said.

Lamas' killing was among the first three homicides for 2010 in Los Angeles County. Investigators don't think the cases are related.

The first fatality broke out at 12:53 a.m. in the 13600 block of Hutchcroft Street in the unincorporated area of West Valinda. A young man attending a party was stabbed by another man who tried to join the gathering but was denied, according to deputies. The victim died at a hospital.

The second killing was reported at 1:45 a.m. in the 10700 block of Klingerman Street in South El Monte. A vehicle carrying two men pulled up next to a young man standing on the street. Deputies said words were exchanged and the men in the car shot the young man. He later died at a hospital.

Anyone with information about the killing of Lamas is asked to call the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.